Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for glazing many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Thankfully, most of problems can be addressed.

If your window or door is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is a simple, cheap fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and may cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also broken, water can be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This makes your home less efficient in energy use. It is best to have an expert repair a damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

First, you will need to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in a hardware store under the broken pane. Before you start, glazing grease the cutter with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the fragments and they should fall away fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame once the glass has been removed. This will expose the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in place. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still in good condition.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty, such as glazier’s compound in a cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they should be reinstalled too. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face, especially in the winter months. This is usually caused by high levels of moisture in your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frame of the sash window repair. This can be avoided by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation is still present you should contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and repair or replace the windows if needed.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal will break down in time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if not addressed quickly.

You can use a hairdryer to get rid of excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a last alternative. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This issue should be dealt with by a professional.

As a longer-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by experts. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, then clean the gap and pipe into hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During this process, they'll check for damage, mould or mildew growth, and then apply a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be solved by re-installing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, for example argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown, water vapour will enter your space through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes that cannot be removed.

This is a simple problem to fix, and windows can be swiftly repaired by professionals using the proper tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it manually. These tools have an edge that can be used to push seals into corners.

In some cases an expert might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with a reliable Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It could be caused by broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this can be easily repaired. Usually, this means creating a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

As soon as you notice any issues, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure to put this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they've received your notification. Making sure that everything is in writing will be helpful later if any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

In some instances an expert in window repair will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. This is only temporary and will not stop the return of moisture. It may also be possible to replace only the glass part, which will make it watertight.

Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more damage over the long term. It is always best to seek professional help when you aren't sure what to do. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you find a local window repair tradesperson who offers double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened and you can be sure that they will offer a quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or insulation gas. They are susceptible to damage due to many factors, such as weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is crucial to be aware of the signs and how to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes glass, causing fog. It's a common problem, and it can also cause the window to appear visually distorted. If the seal is damaged the argon or any other inert gas is removed from the glass, further diminishing its insulating properties.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a new one. This can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the frame of the window to remove moisture and clear the glass. This method isn't foolproof and does not replace inert gasses, so the fog may be re-created.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier may replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and is a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. But, it's best to choose a firm with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. You can be sure that your investment will produce the best results. You can also try to avoid the problem by selecting an item of high-quality and following the care guidelines given by the manufacturer. This will help to prolong the lifespan of your window and decrease the need for repairs.